Bible Minute

[nChrist]

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Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

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Daily Bible Study

Date: Jul 28, 2010
Topic: Jesus, Worship/Praise/Worthiness


The Worship Experience

What's the greatest worship experience you've ever had? What was so powerful, so holy and so celebratory that it drove you to your knees? Or had you shouting and singing and praising God in ways you'd never imagined? Fix that picture in your mind--and then multiply it by a thousand. And you'll begin to have a sense of what worship will be like when we gather before Jesus, the Lamb of God.

What Does God Say?

Revelation is filled with those moments. Let's start with Revelation 5:8-10: "And when he had taken the scroll, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb, each holding a harp, and golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints. And they sang a new song, saying,

'Worthy are you to take the scroll
and to open its seals,
for you were slain, and by your blood you ransomed people for God
from every tribe and language and people and nation,
and you have made them a kingdom and priests to our God,
and they shall reign on the earth'" (ESV).

The key to worship is in that first word of the song: "Worthy." It means "ascribing or expressing the worth of someone or something." In true worship, that someone is Jesus.

Why is He worthy? Well, as the song tells us, because He was slain; He ransomed us with His blood and He makes us a kingdom of priests. Throughout Scripture, we learn Jesus is worthy of our worship because He is the Son of God; He is perfect, holy, righteous, loving, merciful, just, faithful, etc. Everything about Him, all that He is, is worth our attention, our devotion, our praise and our worship. No other can compare.

Pick two or three of these worship scenes in Revelation to examine more closely.

Revelation 4:8-11
Revelation 5:11-13
Revelation 7:9-12
Revelation 11:15-19
Revelation 19:1-9

    * Where is the focus placed?
    * What are the words of worship? The actions of worship?
    * What attitude is common among those who are worshiping?

My Thoughts

    * How did your view of Jesus change as you read the preceding worship scenes?

    * How might you apply the expressions of worship you read about in Revelation to your worship?

When we begin to grasp the awesome spectrum of His worthiness, then our worship grows beyond music or services or ritual. It becomes the response of a heart that acknowledges and embraces the immense treasure wrapped up in Christ the Lamb. It's not about us, what we have or even what or how we can give back to God; it's all about Him. That's what drives the creatures and elders of Revelation 5 to the ground before Him.

My Part

Worship is not limited to singing or prayer or even our actions when we're gathered with other believers. It can be private and personal or public and shared. But the focus is always the same: Jesus Christ.

    * What do you currently do as worship?
    * What can you change based on the examples found in Revelation?
    * How will you share your experience of worship with other believers?

Look over your schedule for the next two or three days and see if you can make a time for focused worship on Christ. Borrow words from Scripture (like Psalm 145); use music; get on your knees or even face down, whatever will help you to recognize the Lamb as worthy of your worship. Don't make it about you and what you need or want but bring your praise and express the worthiness of Christ back to Him.

[nChrist]

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Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

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Daily Bible Study

Date: Jul 29, 2010
Topic: Christian Living/Situational


What's In Your Future

Benjamin Franklin said, "Only two things are sure in life: death and taxes." If I were to rewrite his statement, I'd add one more--judgment. No matter who you are, when death comes, judgment follows. For the unbeliever, it will be at the Great White Throne Judgment seen in Revelation 20:11-15. For the believer, it will be at the Bema (Judgment) Seat of Christ (Romans 14:10).

Let's look at one of the places in the Bible where the apostle Paul describes that future day for the believer.

What Does God Say?

"For no one can lay a foundation other than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Now if anyone builds on the foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw--each one's work will become manifest, for the Day will disclose it, because it will be revealed by fire, and the fire will test what sort of work each one has done. If the work that anyone has built on the foundation survives, he will receive a reward. If anyone's work is burned up, he will suffer loss, though he himself will be saved, but only as through fire" (1 Corinthians 3:11-15, ESV).

    * What foundation do we build our lives upon?
    * What materials can we build with?
    * How will this material be tested?
    * What is the outcome of this test?

My Thoughts

Unbelievers will face a judgment that determines their eternal destiny. Believers will face a judgment that determines their eternal rewards. While there is nothing that an unbeliever can do to earn his or her way into heaven, there is much that a believer can do to make sure that his works stand the fires of God's judgment. Look at the following verses and indicate some of the ways you can "fireproof" your works:

    * 1 John 2:28
    * Philippians 2:14-15
    * Ephesians 6:5-8

My Part

Paul says in Philippians 4:13 (ESV), "I can do all things through him who strengthens me." Every thing that you do in your power will be burned up; only those things which are done through Christ's power will survive. This week, ask God to make you conscious of when you are operating in His power and when you are doing His work in your power.

[nChrist]

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Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

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Daily Bible Study

Date: Jul 30, 2010
Topic: Jesus, Service/Servanthood


The Judgment Seat of Christ

What is the most exciting day in your future? A wedding day? A graduation day? Perhaps you're planning an exciting trip and can't wait until the day of your departure? But if you're a Christian, there's a very exciting day coming. The Bible tells us what it is.

What Does God Say?

"For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil" (2 Corinthians 5:10, ESV).

Now, if you're like me, you might be thinking, Exciting? Frightening is more like it! But the Bible sets our minds at ease.

"There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus" (Romans 8:1, ESV).

My Thoughts

Standing before Christ at His Judgment Seat is, first of all, a privilege. If we were not His followers, we would not be there.

Secondly, we will stand before Him individually. This is not a group event. Our accountability is personal. He'll not judge you on the basis of another's thoughts, words or actions. You will stand alone before Him. That likely makes your heart race and your knees weak. But you will be filled with gratitude and joy that you are in the fullness of His presence.

   1. Based on 2 Corinthians 5:10, write down your feelings as you consider appearing at the Judgment Seat of Christ?
   2. Read Romans 8:1 again. As you read it, do you feel relief, are you skeptical, do you have mixed feelings? Define your response to that verse.
   3. Draw two stick figure illustrations. In one, sketch your image of the Judgment Seat before you read this study. In the other, your depiction of it now that you've read part of the study.
   4. Ask God if there is anything He wants you to do today--someone He wants you to call or some need He wants you to meet--to serve Him?

Jesus says, "And if you give even a cup of cold water to one of the least of my followers, you will surely be rewarded" (Matthew 10:42, NLT).

There are two things to know as you work for the Lord:

    * Remember He will enable you. Jesus says, "I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing" (John 15:5, ESV).
    * Understand that service to anyone in Christ's name, Jesus accepts as service to Himself. "And the King will say, 'I tell you the truth, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me!'" (Matthew 25:40, NLT).

My Part

If you and I have a limited number of days to serve Jesus (and our days are numbered), then doesn't it make sense that we do so now, every day?

Take some time to pray and ask the Lord to help you prepare beginning today for that moment you appear before His Judgment Seat.

[nChrist]

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Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

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Daily Bible Study

Date: Aug 2, 2010
Topic: Salvation, God


The Righteous Judge

U.S. District Judge Isaac Charles Parker presided over the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Arkansas for 21 years during the late 1800s. He is remembered today as the "Hanging Judge" of the American Old West. Even though his record shows he was stern but fair, his nickname kept any criminal from assuming leniency.

The Bible teaches that God is the Judge of all mankind. What can we expect from Him?

What Does God Say?

"Abraham ... stood before the LORD, 'Far be it from you to do such a thing, to put the righteous to death with the wicked, so that the righteous fare as the wicked! Far be that from you! Shall not the Judge of all the earth do what is just?'" (Genesis 18:22, 25, NLT)

Abraham had occasion in Genesis 18 (Read Genesis 18:16-33 if you wonder about the circumstances) to ask God, "Won't, You, the Judge of all the earth, do what is right?" And the answer is:

"He is the Rock; his deeds are perfect.
Everything he does is just and fair.
He is a faithful God who does no wrong;
how just and upright he is!" (Deuteronomy 32:4, NLT).

"If God were not entirely fair, how would he be qualified to judge the world?" (Romans 3:6, NLT)

"This is the message we heard from Jesus and now declare to you: God is light, and there is no darkness in him at all " (1 John 1:5, NLT).

1. What is the major truth in the above scriptures?
2. What do they teach you about God?
3. How does knowing God is a fair judge impact your life?

My Thoughts

Not only will God judge us fairly and accurately, but His judgment will be thorough and all-inclusive.

When "the Lord returns.... he will bring our darkest secrets to light and will reveal our private motives. Then God will give to each one whatever praise is due" (1 Corinthians 4:5, NLT).

"God will judge us for everything we do, including every secret thing, whether good or bad" (Ecclesiastes 12:14, NLT).

Read Acts 10:42 and Romans 2:16 and answer the following questions:

   1. Who has been appointed by God to be "judge of all"?
   2. Who does the "all" include in Acts 10:42?
   3. What part of your life does Romans 2:16 specifically mention?
   4. Does the thought of that make you uncomfortable?

My Part

We are in desperate need of God's mercy. In Christ, God has, in His great love, offered us just what we need--mercy.

"God is so rich in mercy, and he loved us so much, that even though we were dead because of our sins, he gave us life when he raised Christ from the dead. (It is only by God's grace that you have been saved!)" (Ephesians 2:4-5, ESV).

Thank God right now for His great mercy, His love for you and that you know that someday, when you are judged, He is a fair Judge.

[nChrist]

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Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

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Daily Bible Study

Date: Aug 3, 2010
Topic: Obedience/Discipleship, Heaven


More Than Today

It's easy to get tangled up, stressed out and totally overwhelmed by the worries and demands of life. When that happens, we tend to become careless about our relationship with God. We stop reading our Bibles and praying. We don't take time to tell others about Jesus. As a result, we short-change ourselves when it comes to fellowship with God. As Christians, we need to have an eternal perspective that helps us live--today.

What Does God Say?

Paul shows us this eternal perspective in 2 Corinthians 4:16-18: "So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal" (ESV).

This body we live in, the worries and struggles we face, the demands of daily life--they're all temporary and transient. They don't last. We're to live today without forgetting that but also with heaven in mind. Keep reading through 2 Corinthians 4 and into 5:1-6 to see how Paul underscores the temporary nature of this life. He doesn't treat it lightly as if it doesn't matter, but he reminds us that something more important--eternity with God--is coming.

So, what about today? Does it matter what you do with it? The answer is yes. Look at 2 Corinthians 5:6-10, "So we are always of good courage. We know that while we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord, for we walk by faith, not by sight. Yes, we are of good courage, and we would rather be away from the body and at home with the Lord. So, whether we are at home or away, we make it our aim to please him. For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil" (ESV, emphasis added).

We may be longing for heaven, but we're not there yet. Today the challenge is to "walk by faith, not by sight." Remember, what you see is transient; it won't last (2 Corinthians 4:18 ). And today, we "make it our aim to please him," because there is a reward to come when we stand before Jesus in heaven.

My Thoughts

What can you do today that pleases God as you walk by faith? Here are just a few assignments the believer is given.

2 Corinthians 5:18-21

    * What is the ministry or task we're given?
    * How does it fit with what's eternal?
    * How do you personally fulfill this mission?

John 13:34-35

    * What is the new commandment?
    * Whose example are you to follow?
    * What does keeping it reveal about you?

Romans 12:1-2

    * What is the charge given here?
    * What perspective needs to be changed or removed?
    * What is the outcome of this transformation?

Hebrews 12:1-2

    * What are you challenged to do here?
    * What needs to change or be set aside?
    * What are you to focus on as you run the race?

You'll also find some day-to-day choices and actions that please God in passages like Romans 12:9-20 and Hebrews 13:1-18.

My Part

So, you've been given today. What will you do with it that matters for eternity? Think through your daily routine. How are you doing at the ministry of reconciliation? At running with your eyes on Jesus? At laying aside the entanglements of sin? What about loving others as Christ did? Is your sacrifice acceptable and pleasing to Him? What are some practical ways you're doing this? What other ways can you think of to fulfill these assignments?

Maybe you have a friend or family member who needs to see how Jesus loves them through you. Maybe you need to deal with a habit of sin that keeps tripping you up. Maybe you let the worries and concerns of your day undermine "walking by faith" or you easily "lose heart" instead of being "of good courage." Commit that issue to the Lord, ask for His direction and help in reshaping your attitude or actions and then take action. Yes, what you do today matters for eternity.

Borrow Colossians 1:9-12 as your prayer; it covers all that you need for today as well as reminding you of the eternal reward or inheritance from God.

[nChrist]

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Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

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Daily Bible Study

Date: Aug 4, 2010
Topic: Service/Servanthood


Worthy of Reward

How do you feel about pop quizzes? What about taking a test when you're unsure how the instructor or teacher grades? What if you're not sure what material will be covered on the test? Doesn't seem fair, does it?

When God grades, He is always fair and just.

What Does God Say?

God tells us that at the end of life, there is going to be a test, an evaluation. He lets us know that our lives on earth will be judged. If you're a Christian, you will be judged at the Judgment Seat of Christ. If you don't know Christ, you'll be judged at The Great White Throne Judgment.

"But on the judgment day, fire will reveal what kind of work each builder has done. The fire will show if a person's work has any value. If the work survives, that builder will receive a reward" (1 Corinthians 3:13-14, NLT).

For each Scripture below, list the criteria the Lord gives us so we know what is worthy of reward.

"The laws of the Lord are true;
each one is fair.
They are a warning for your servant;
a great reward for those who obey them" (Psalm 19:9, 11, NLT)

"So be careful not to jump to conclusions before the Lord returns as to whether or not someone is faithful. When the Lord comes, he will bring our deepest secrets to light and will reveal our private motives. And then God will give to everyone whatever praise is due" (1 Corinthians 4:5, NLT).

"So, my dear brothers and sisters, be strong and immovable. Always work enthusiastically for the Lord, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless" (1 Corinthians 15:58, NLT)

"Pay careful attention to your own work, for then you will get the satisfaction of a job well done, and you won't need to compare yourself to anyone else" (Galatians 6:4, NLT).

My Thoughts

The prospect of rewards should lead to:

    * Diligence.

"Watch out that you do not lose what we have worked so hard to achieve. Be diligent so that you receive your full reward" 2 John 1:8 (NLT).

    * Dedication

"No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us" (Philippians 3:13-14, NLT).

    * Endurance

"That is why we never give up. Though our bodies are dying, our spirits are being renewed every day. For our present troubles are quite small and won't last very long. Yet they produce for us an immeasurably great glory that will last forever! So we don't look at the troubles we can see right now; rather, we look forward to what we have not yet seen. For the troubles we see will soon be over, but the joys to come will last forever" (2 Corinthians 4:16-18, NLT).

My Part

Suppose you won a contest at your local bank. The prize is this: You have three minutes to gather as much money as you can from two vaults. One vault holds $5 bills and the other vault contains $100 bills. Where would you begin? Easy choice, right?!!

If you only have a limited number of days to earn your rewards from the Lord, doesn't it make perfect sense to begin now and do all you can in His service?

[nChrist]

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Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

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Daily Bible Study

Date: Aug 5, 2010
Topic: Christian Living/Situational


Performance Review - 1

Have you ever heard of the "boss key"? Not long ago, when computer games were still fairly new, a lot of them were programmed with a boss key. The idea was that if you were playing a game at work and your boss happened to walk by, you could press the boss key and the game would disappear from the screen leaving behind something that looked like company work. When the boss went away, you would press the key again and resume your game.

Life doesn't come equipped with a boss key though. And it's impossible to hide anything from God.

What Does God Say?

"He will bring our darkest secrets to light and will reveal our private motives" (1 Corinthians 4:5, NLT).

With that in mind, read what Paul had to say to the Corinthians: "For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil" (2 Corinthians 5:10, ESV).

It's easy to read those words and think, God's always watching; He's waiting for me to mess up so He can punish me! But Paul took it as a positive: "God's always watching, and everything I do that pleases Him will be rewarded."

As we look closer at 2 Corinthians 5, notice that this knowledge enabled Paul to live with confidence.

My Thoughts

As you read through 2 Corinthians 5:1-10, think about the following questions:

1. How does Paul describe his "earthly home"? What keeps him going?
2. When we die, who will give us new bodies?
3. Describe a time in your life when your longing for heaven was nearly overwhelming.
4. We want to put on our new bodies so these dying bodies will be swallowed up by what?
5. What should be the goal of all Christ-followers?

My Part

Our day at the Judgment Seat of Christ will ultimately be a day of blessing and rejoicing. Our salvation won't be in question, only our rewards. If there's anything bad about that day, it will be the realization that we wasted some opportunities. What can you do today to increase your joy when that Day arrives?

[nChrist]

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Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

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Daily Bible Study

Date: Aug 6, 2010
Topic: God's Care, Heaven


Performance Review - 2

Do you remember being disciplined by your parents? Can you recall a time you were scolded by a school principal? By your boss? By the coach? I would be willing to make a guess that no matter how stern the lecture, if it were done publicly, it seemed a lot more humiliating than a private upbraiding.

But what about our final life-performance review? Will it be held before an audience?

What Does God Say?

Romans 14:10,12, "For we will all stand before the judgment seat of God. So then each of us will give an account of himself to God" (ESV).

Second Corinthians 5:10, "For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil" (ESV).

    * Who is going to have to give an account?
    * What will be the result of this judgment?
    * How does this make you feel?

My Thoughts

Both of the verses above refer to the Judgment Seat of Christ. Christians are the only ones who will appear at this judgment, and it will be a private one-on-one encounter between you and the Judge. Romans 14:12 says, "each of us will give an account" and 2 Corinthians 5:10 says "each one may receive." Every Christian must stand before that one Judge. But Jesus is the judge of individuals, not the masses. He's not going to put up on a screen or read aloud all the things we've done so others can know, because, quite frankly, at that point nobody will much care what others have done. We're going to be concerned about how we fare at the Judgment Seat of Christ.

My Part

Draw a picture of Christ's judgment seat. Using a stick figure, place yourself in relationship to this judgment seat--the farther away you are, the more fearful you are. Now take a few moments to think about what you could do to be less fearful and draw closer to Jesus (Hebrews 10:22). Ask God to remove the fear and replace it with a confidence in what Christ has done for you.

[nChrist]

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Daily Bible Study

Date: Aug 9, 2010
Topic: Service/Servanthood, Heaven


Crown of Victory; Race of Life

During the Olympic Games, we see gold, silver and bronze medals hanging on ribbons around the necks of athletes who accomplished their goal. All that training, time, energy and money was invested over a period of years just so these young men or women could get a piece of metal.

And it's true, those medals will last a long time...but not forever. They can be stolen or lost; the ribbons will one day disintegrate and the moment of glory will be long gone. It's a fleeting honor.

What Does God Say?

However, the Bible says there is a medal--a crown--that lasts forever. And to get this reward, you must run a race, not in the Olympics but in life. Paul talks about this race and the crown we can earn in 1 Corinthians 9:24-27, "Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it. Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. So I do not run aimlessly; I do not box as one beating the air. But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified" (ESV).

God has a crown of victory for every Christian who runs the race of life well. It's His eternal reward for faithfulness, for enduring hardships, for keeping on when it's rough, for treating this race as a marathon and not a sprint.

It takes commitment and the understanding that a few "wins" or spiritual victories doesn't mean you can coast through the rest of your life. Writing to Timothy, Paul urged commitment and determination to see the race through, no matter how much it hurts, how severely you are tempted to get sidetracked by other things or how much you want to change the rules. "Share in suffering as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. No soldier gets entangled in civilian pursuits, since his aim is to please the one who enlisted him. An athlete is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules" (2 Timothy 2:3-5, ESV).

My Thoughts

So, how do you receive the crown of victory? The Bible tells you. Read 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 again and answer the following questions:

    * What does the spiritual athlete need to exercise?
    * What is our goal?
    * What are we not to do?
    * What are the keys to successful training?
    * When have you "run aimlessly" or "beat the air"?
    * What requires discipline and self-control in your life?

Go back to 2 Timothy 2:3-5.

    * What is the aim of the soldier or athlete?
    * What gets him off course?
    * What are some things in your life that "entangle" you?
    * What do you think some of the "rules" may be?

The Bible uses words like faithfulness and perseverance to show you how to run the race. Use a concordance and do your own word study to see how you can run for victory.

My Part

No Olympian just shows up on the day of the games to compete. What you see on the track or in the pool is the result of years of training and competing. In the race of life, you can't just "show up," but you need to train...and race every day of your life. God has provided you with a coach--the Holy Spirit--and His training manual, the Bible.

As you read the Bible, ask the Holy Spirit to show you where you need self-control, added discipline in your training or a renewed focus or goal for the race. Look for instructions on what pleases the Lord and what He expects to see in your life. Take your training seriously; it's the key to staying the course and winning the crown. Use Hebrews 12:1-2 as a daily reminder of the race and the goal.

Commit your life today to running in a way that pleases the Lord, so that you, like Paul, can one day say: "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith" (2 Timothy 4:7, ESV).

[nChrist]

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Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

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Daily Bible Study

Date: Aug 10, 2010
Topic: Service/Servanthood, Evangelism


Crown of Boasting

Have you ever heard someone say: "He's so heavenly minded, He's no earthly good"? It means that someone is so focused on spiritual things that he or she doesn't get anything practical done and sometimes doesn't even remember the everyday details of life. But when it comes to the heavenly reward of crowns, there's no way to be too focused, especially when it comes to one particular crown. That crown is often called the "soul-winner's crown" or the "crown of boasting." Paul talked about it in 1 Thessalonians.

What Does God Say?

"After all, what gives us hope and joy, and what will be our proud reward and crown as we stand before our Lord Jesus when he returns? It is you!" (1 Thessalonians 2:19, NLT).

Others places in the Bible speak glowingly about the work represented by this crown:

"Let him know that whoever brings back a sinner from his wandering will save his soul from death and will cover a multitude of sins (James 5:20, ESV).

"Those who are wise will shine as bright as the sky, and those who lead many to righteousness will shine like the stars forever" (Daniel 12:3, NLT).

"They passed on to the people the truth of the instructions they received from me. They did not lie or cheat; they walked with me, living good and righteous lives, and they turned many from lives of sin" (Malachi 2:6, NLT).

    * There are three promises in the above verses. What are they?
    * Who can earn this crown?
    * How can it be earned?
    * Which promise appeals most to you?

My Thoughts

Everyone who knows the Lord has a message to share. Are you committed to receiving this "soul-winner's crown" or "crown of boasting"--a crown that is going to allow you to boast about what God has done through you to take the message of the Gospel to other people? You can earn this crown if you will seek opportunities to share your faith with other people. Paul tells us that's what he did.

"To the Jews I became as a Jew, in order to win Jews. To those under the law I became as one under the law (though not being myself under the law) that I might win those under the law. To those outside the law I became as one outside the law (not being outside the law of God but under the law of Christ) that I might win those outside the law. To the weak I became weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all people, that by all means I might save some. I do it all for the sake of the gospel, that I may share with them in its blessings" (1 Corinthians 9:20-23, ESV).

My Part

Witnessing isn't all that difficult; all we have to do is tell our story. But some people are better at it than others, have you noticed that? Make a commitment today that you will one day receive this crown--becoming so heavenly minded that you do the greatest good that can be done on earth--winning others to Christ.

[nChrist]

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Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

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Daily Bible Study

Date: Aug 11, 2010
Topic: Second Coming/Rapture/End Times


The

A friend often talks about the coming of Christ--and he nearly always ends his thoughts by exclaiming, "I can hardly wait!" There reward is laid up in heaven for those who are eagerly looking for Jesus' coming. It's called the "crown of righteousness."

Although all true Christians are given the free gift of righteousness in Christ from the moment they trust Him as Savior (see Romans 8:10; 2 Corinthians 5:21), not every Christian is going to earn the "crown of righteousness" reward. Why? Let's see what the Bible says.

What Does God Say?

In 2 Timothy4:8 (ESV) Paul writes, "Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that Day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing."

In Matthew 6:19-21 (ESV), Jesus told his disciples, "Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." There is a "laying up" process in the Christian life whereby you earn great blessings to be revealed and awarded in the future.

The crown of righteousness is one of those treasures, or rewards, that is laid up in heaven for the believer who holds the things of this world lightly, while living daily by the grace of God in watchful anticipation of the Lord's coming. At His judgment seat, Christ will give it to the believer (see1 Corinthians 3:13). Paul calls it "that Day" in 2 Timothy4:8.

Read Colossians 1:3-5. Paul thanked God for the faith of the Christians in Colossae and for their love for all believers. What do you see that was "laid up" for them that encouraged them to be the faithful, loving Christians they were?

My Thoughts

The letters of Paul often speak of the Christian's hope.

    * What kind of hope do unbelievers have according to Ephesians 2:12?
    * How many occurrences of the word "hope" can you find in Romans 5:1-5?

Part of the Christian's hope is the return or appearing of the Lord Jesus Christ. What is the "hope" in Titus 2:11-14 called? To what event does it refer?

My Part

Have you set your mind and heart on Christ's return? Is it just a passing thought now and then? Is it something you feel is irrelevant and unimportant?

As you examine your own life, do you detect any changes you should make, any practices you need to begin in order to be earning the Lord's crown of righteousness reward? Do you love His appearing?

William Barclay noted, "The best way to prepare for the coming of Christ is never to forget the presence of Christ." (You Can Say That Again, Christianity Today, Vol. 39, no.8.)

[nChrist]

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Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

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Daily Bible Study

Date: Aug 12, 2010
Topic: Service/Servanthood


The Shepherd's Reward

Ron Klassen, Director of the Rural Home Missionary Association says, "People can be divided into roughly two types: stars and servants. The stars are the ones who capture attention. The servants work for a lifetime in obscurity. They work in inner-city churches. They are small-town pastors ministering quietly. Servants don't need spotlight or recognition from others. They are working for the Lord. They are not zeros in small churches; they are servants of a great God."

One of God's eternal rewards is reserved for His servants who have ministered faithfully. It is called the "crown of glory" and is mentioned by Peter in 1 Peter 5:1-4. We'll look at that in a moment.

What Does God Say?

Take a piece of paper; draw a line down the center from top to bottom; then read the instructions the apostle Paul gave to Timothy in 1 Timothy 3:1-7 (ESV) about the necessary qualities of a pastor. On the left side of your paper, list the traits he should have and on the right, those he should not have.

"The saying is trustworthy: If anyone aspires to the office of overseer, he desires a noble task. Therefore an overseer must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, sober-minded, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, not a drunkard, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money. He must manage his own household well, with all dignity keeping his children submissive, for if someone does not know how to manage his own household, how will he care for God's church? He must not be a recent convert, or he may become puffed up with conceit and fall into the condemnation of the devil. Moreover, he must be well thought of by outsiders, so that he may not fall into disgrace, into a snare of the devil."

Now, read the following passage:

1 Peter 5:1-4 (ESV). "So I exhort the elders among you, as a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, as well as a partaker in the glory that is going to be revealed : shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly; not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock. And when the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory."

Note that Peter describes himself as a "partaker in the glory that is going to be revealed" at the coming of Christ. He says that a faithful pastor's work will be rewarded with the unfading crown of glory.

Now re-read 1 Peter 5:1-4. Take your paper with the columns, and in the left column write down the tasks you find that a church leader is to do; and in the right, the things that he is not to do. When you are done, review your lists in both columns. It will reveal many of the prayer needs that your pastor has.

My Thoughts

You may never personally be a shepherd, an elder or a pastor of God's flock, but there are some special ways for you to share the joy of their "crown of glory" reward. As a believer, you have significant responsibilities to those whom God has called to minister the Word of God, just as they have responsibilities to you.

Read over at the following Scriptures and write down the duties you see that you and other Christians have as followers of God's servants.

    * Romans 15:30-31 and 1 Thessalonians 5:25
    * Romans 12:10 and Philippians 2:29 (In the context of Philippians 2:25-30)
    * 1 Timothy 5:17-18
    * Hebrews 13:17

My Part

No one needs God's protection more than your church leaders. Take time now to consider their needs and pray for them. Make it a daily part of your devotional life. You will share in their rewards.

"Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving. At the same time, pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word, to declare the mystery of Christ, on account of which I am in prison--that I may make it clear, which is how I ought to speak" (Colossians 4:2-4, ESV).

[nChrist]

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Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

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Daily Bible Study

Date: Aug 13, 2010
Topic: Service/Servanthood


Crown of Life

Our life on earth is precious but fragile. We could hardly blame anyone for "playing it safe." It seems almost natural to seek the good experiences while minimizing the bad. But the Christian life is anything but safe.

What Does God Say?

Paul, in his second letter to Timothy reminded him, "Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted" (3:12, ESV). In reassuring His disciples, Jesus took it as a given that His followers would be persecuted, "I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world" (John 16:33, ESV).

But I find comfort when I read Jesus' words in Matthew 5. He knew that those who put their faith in Him would face a difficult life, and so He stated several blessings for those who earnestly seek to honor God. The last of these Beatitudes is, "Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you" (11-12, ESV).

In the Book of James we get an idea of what this great reward will be: "Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him" (1:12, ESV).

The "crown of life" is also known as the "sufferer's crown," or the "martyr's crown." Probably none of us aspire to earn this crown and yet some of us will, not because we sought out suffering or persecution but because we said, "Come what may, I'm going to glorify God with my life here on earth."

My Thoughts

As you read the verses presented in this study, think about the following questions:

    * Many of the apostles experienced persecution. Can you remember specific trials they had to endure?
    * The world is a lot different than it was 2,000 years ago. In what ways is the persecution we face today different, and in what ways is it the same?
    * In what forms have you faced persecution? Do you find Jesus' promise of a "crown of life" encouraging?

My Part

In the midst of contemplating the times of persecution we may be up against as believers, never forget the words of encouragement Jesus had for His disciples. Look for them in the verses above. Now, make a list. Take time to read your list every day for the next week. Pray for Christians who may be facing persecution right now.

[nChrist]

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Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

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Daily Bible Study

Date: Aug 16, 2010
Topic: Jesus, God


Jesus the Word

Jesus has many names: Messiah, the Christ, Savior, Shepherd, Lamb, King, etc. You can find them scattered throughout the pages of the Bible. Some names tell us about His authority or what He does for His people. Others give us a glimpse of His character as faithful, holy or righteous. One name carries a unique distinction: it reflects something about Jesus and about God the Father. It's "the Word of God."

What Does God Say?

Usually, we talk about the Bible as the Word of God. Everything that God has to say to us is recorded in this collection of writings we call the Bible. It reveals His plan from eternity past to eternity future. But Jesus is also the Word of God. Revelation 19:13 describes a future vision of Jesus, "He is clothed in a robe dipped in blood, and the name by which he is called is The Word of God" (ESV). He does in person what the Bible does in writing--reveal the truth of God to us. He is the Word--the whole communication--of God to man.

The Word is also used as a name or identifier for Jesus in John 1:1. "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God." As the Word, Jesus existed before time, before the beginning, with God and as God. This shows us that Jesus is not just connected to God, He is fully God. As the Word, we also learn that Jesus "was in the beginning with God" (John 1:2) and "All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made" (John 1:3). The Word is how the creation of the world happened. Remember Genesis 1 records the act of creation? "And God said, 'Let there be light,' and there was light" (Genesis 1:3, ESV).God said--He spoke the word--and it happened. No guesswork; God--Father and Son--spoke and the world was created. Genesis 1 includes at least eight "God said" statements that brought our world into being and established man in God's image. It all happened by the Word.

The Word is a powerful concept throughout Scripture, directly referring to Jesus and indirectly to the communication from God to man. God wants to speak to us; to communicate His great love, mercy, holiness and purpose. And Jesus came to earth to put a human form to that communication. He spoke to us as God for God.

My Thoughts

In the Old Testament, you find many references to "the word of the Lord" or "God spoke to" followed by a message of instruction, judgment, guidance or prophecy. Use a concordance or an online "keyword search" such as the one at biblegateway.com to find some of these examples.

    * What were some of the messages God gave?
    * What does this tell you about God's desire to communicate with people?

What does it mean to know that Jesus is the Word? Read John 1:1-18 again and look for Jesus as the Word (and the light), keeping in mind that verses 6-8 refer to John the Baptist.

    * What does the Word do for those who believe?
    * What does He reveal about God the Father?
    * What do we receive from Him?
    * What does it mean for you personally to know Jesus as the Word?

My Part

Jesus communicates with us still--through the written word of Scripture and through the Spirit. It's good to see Scripture as the Word of God, revealing the mind of God, the heart of Christ and the power of the Spirit to us in a way we can understand and go back to again and again. In Revelation, John the apostle is told over and over to "write down" what he sees and hears so that others will know and anticipate what is to come. The whole Bible is put into your hands so that you can know the Word of God.

Picking up a study like this one is a great step; what else are you doing to get to know the Word of God? What do you do to listen to or read the message revealed by Jesus? What benefits have you seen in your life from connecting to the Word? How do you share it now with others?

[nChrist]

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Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

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Daily Bible Study

Date: Aug 17, 2010
Topic: Jesus, Salvation, Heaven


The King of Kings

Are you familiar with these names/titles of Jesus? The Christ, the Messiah, the baby in the manger, Immanuel, the man of Galilee, the Lamb of God, Rabbi, Teacher, Savior, Lord. (Many other names/titles are recorded in Scripture.) These names help us better understand who Jesus is. But there is one description that is beyond our comprehension: King of kings and Lord of lords. Let's see how Scripture applies this title to Jesus.

What Does God Say?

"Then I saw heaven opened, and a white horse was standing there. Its rider was named Faithful and True, for he judges fairly and wages a righteous war. His eyes were like flames of fire, and on his head were many crowns. A name was written on him that no one understood except himself. He wore a robe dipped in blood, and his title was the Word of God. The armies of heaven, dressed in the finest of pure white linen, followed him on white horses. From his mouth came a sharp sword to strike down the nations. He will rule them with an iron rod. He will release the fierce wrath of God, the Almighty, like juice flowing from a winepress. On his robe at his thigh was written this title: King of all kings and Lord of all lords" (Revelation 19:11-16, NLT).

   1. In the preceding verses, who is riding the white horse?
   2. What were His eyes like?
   3. What was on His head?
   4. How was He dressed?
   5. What was coming from His mouth?
   6. What title was written on His robe?

My Thoughts

There is only one word that comes to my mind after reading those verses: awesome--well, maybe two words: absolutely awesome.

    * What words does this passage trigger in your mind?
    * Have you ever used those words in connection with Jesus?
    * Could those words apply to anyone else living or dead?

"Then everyone--the kings of the earth, the rulers, the generals, the wealthy, the powerful, and every slave and free person--all hid themselves in the caves and among the rocks of the mountains. And they cried to the mountains and the rocks, 'Fall on us and hide us from the face of the one who sits on the throne and from the wrath of the Lamb. For the great day of their wrath has come, and who is able to survive?'" (Revelation 6:15-17, NLT).

   1. Who is speaking in these verses?
   2. Who will be able to stand in that great day of wrath? (Hint: Read "My Part").
   3. What words does this passage bring to your mind?

My Part

Facing God and eternity without Jesus as Savior will be unbelievably terrifying. But Jesus, the King of kings and Lord of lords wants you to know that God loves you and has--at great cost--provided a way for you to be rescued from the terror of eternal judgment.

"For God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. God sent his Son into the world not to judge the world, but to save the world through him.

"There is no judgment against anyone who believes in him. But anyone who does not believe in him has already been judged for not believing in God's one and only Son" (John 3:16-18, NLT).

The consequences are already fixed in eternity, but the choice is yours. Choose Jesus today.